Today’s kids have more choices of physical exercise – such as trampolines, watersliding, ziplining, to name a few – than their parents have had. Unfortunately however, TV, smartphones and other hand-held devices have become a mainstay in their lives at a very young age and have been instrumental in encouraging physical inactivity and singular behavioural attitudes. The latter points to the time spent alone in front of a screen that serves to heighten a child’s behaviour to be self-centred and apart from his/peers and the world around him/her. It has also often been suggested that the constant use of technology slows down kids’ cognitive development and potentially affects their motor skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence. More concerning as well is that it is considered to reduce parent-child interaction and by extension, language development, eye contact, and natural bonding.
Still, it is not to negate that there are some benefits from kids’ technology use whereby their brains are energized by educational games especially when used in formal classroom settings. Outside of the classroom however, left to their own devices, more often than not, kids tend to enjoy those games more as entertainment which would not necessarily provide a rich learning experience or replace the effectiveness of neighbourhood races, biking, hiking, and other forms of interactive physical exercise on their brain power. Another aspect of the importance of physical fitness is its relaxing and calming effect that is said to boost positive moods and clear minds. It allows kids to connect with each other and their environment, and ultimately influences their openness to learning and exploring and assimilating new ideas.
A day filled with sporting and fitness activities in which kids can participate in all types of sport and fun physical exercises gives them the momentum to be more active and outgoing alongside their peers, family members and the wider society. It encourages them to take responsibility for their health and well being which they will later benefit from the positive effect it has on their learning and academic performance. It is a winning combination of good health and strong alert minds that will prepare them for the joys and challenges of our ever-changing world.
